Introduced earlier this year, HB 1723, from Rep. Mia Gregerson (D–SeaTac), seeks to close the digital equity divide. The bill proposes the use of several programs to increase services, training, and funding within the Broadband Office. Read our prior update about the bill.

The proposed legislation has since picked up several amendments in committee.

The bill amendments:

• Make technical corrections to terminology in the Broadband Assistance Program for clarity and consistency;
• Remove language in the Broadband Assistance Program that required telecommunications providers to provide services to low-income persons at a reduced rate determined by the UTC and instead requires telecommunications providers to provide services to low-income persons in accordance with the program;
• Add courts, early learning centers, homelessness shelters, group homes, community centers, elder care facilities, foster care providers, and community-based organizations to the definition of anchor institution;
• Add children and youth in foster care and individuals experiencing housing instability to the definition of underserved population; and
• Add pre-kindergarten to the students who must be considered when awarding grants under Digital Equity Opportunity and Digital Equity Planning Grant programs.

Finally, a null and void clause was added to the bill, which makes it null and void unless the Legislature fully funds the proposal in the budget.

AWC supports this legislation—ensuring that affordable, equitable, high-speed broadband is made accessible is imperative to successful cities.

HB 1723 currently awaits further action in the House.